Spirit of the Marathon II

Disclaimer: I received two complimentary movie passes and press release materials from NCM Fathom events in exchange for my post promoting the movie. As always, all opinions are my very own.

I am SO excited to have the opportunity to share about the Spirit of the Marathon II. This movie features 7 inspirational and motivated competitors training to run the Rome Marathon. As a self proclaimed “Newbie Runner” who aspires to conquer the 26.2 challenge, I am very excited to see this movie.

This movie will race into select theaters across the United States at 7:00 p.m. (local time) THIS EVENING! That’s right, check your local theater and make plans to attend the premiere of “Spirit of the Marathon II”.

Get ready to be transported to six countries for an “up close and personal” look into the runners’ lives. When I was training for my first half marathon, I remember the struggle I faced. I wanted to stay out late with friends, or watch movies until late hours of the night or you know eat junk food. But, I knew that if I wanted to achieve my goal of running and completing my first half marathon I couldn’t live that way anymore. I had to make some sacrifices. I had to go to bed early, and make healthier choices about the food that went onto my plate.

During this documentary, we will have the opportunity to see how these 7 athletes deal with the struggles and continue to motivate themselves as they prepare for the Rome Marathon.

The event will also feature interviews with marathon greats such as Stefano Baldini, Paula Radcliffe, Frank Shorter, Kathrine Switzer and others. They will offer perspective and insight into this incredible run. Since I am currently daydreaming of the 26.2 challenge, I can’t wait to hear what they have to say!

Julie Weiss, Veteran Marathoner. Julie began a quest to run a marathon a week or a year to honor the memory of her father on an emotional journey to shed awareness and raise money for pancreatic cancer – the devastating disease the claimed his life.

Ylenia Amelli, First time marathoner. While struggling to keep her mom-and-pop running shoe store open in Milan and raising two children, Ylenia takes on the challenge of training to run her first marathon.

Vasyl Matviychuck, Olympic Hopeful. The elite, but aging marathoner trains with the pride of country in his heart in hopes that a fast time at the Rome Marathon will earn him the last spot on the Ukrainian National Olympic Team.

Mimmo Scipioni, Veteran Marathoner. The good-natured, hard-working owner of “Pizzeria II Podista” (The Runner Pizzeria) in Rome, Mimmo has lined his pizzeria’s walls with photos and trophies from more than 40 marathons which he has run. It is a pre-race tradition for runners to carbo load with Mimmo. For Mimmo , the family tradition of running the Rome Marathon is in jeopardy due to a nagging injury.

Domenico Anzini, Veteran Marathoner. Prodded by his cousin Mimmo, it took a lot of convincing for Domenico to give running a try. Now, 18 years later, the 73 year-old has run in every Rome Marathon since its inception. The camaraderie and humor the cousins share during their training runs goes to the heart of the family.

Cliff Scott, First-time Marathoner. Scotts bucket list decision to run his first marathon in his 60’s is an inspiration until itself. When faced with an unimaginable family tragedy he struggles to make peace with himself during training runs in the woods. It is painfully obvious that his loss has taken its toll and calls into question whether he will be able to finish the Rome Marathon.

Epiphanie Nyirabarame, Two-time Olympian. One of the few professional runners in Rwanda, Epiphanie proudly represents her country around the world to create change for women. Having been deeply affected by the genocide in 1994, Epiphanie uses her resources to invest in her community, advocating for progress and growth, especially for the future generations of runners.

As you can see, there are 7 very powerful stories, and I’m not sure if I could ever choose which story I am most excited to follow.

Ready to join me?

Tickets for “Spirit of the Marathon II” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.fathomevents.com The event will be broadcast to more than 600 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

Film producers, NCM Fathom Events and movie theater circuit partners AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group will donate a portion of the proceed from the “Spirit of the Marathon II” event to The One Fund Boston to assist those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the 2013 Boston Marathon on the 15th of April.

“Spirit of the Marathon II” is a passion project made by marathon runners and accomplished filmmakers Jon Dunham (director) and Gwendolen Twist (producer), who led a team that includes three-time Academy Award Winner Mark Jonathan Harris (executive producer) and Academy Award nominee Megan Williams.

Once again, I am honored and excited to be teaming up with National CeneMedia (NCM) to promote this inspiring documentary about running!